In 2014, only 274 new Welsh corgi puppies were registered with the Kennel Club, a low enough number for the club to add the dog to its “vulnerable native breeds” list. Largely known for being the Queen’s dog of choice – it is said that over her lifetime she owned at least 30 – the breed did not appear to benefit from the royal association.
Then, last month, it was reported that internet searches for corgis had increased tenfold in the wake of the Queen’s death, and that puppies normally selling for £1,500 – at a push – were suddenly being offered at £6,000. In death, the monarch had conferred upon the corgi the one thing it lacked, besides proportionate legs: popularity.
